Bringing MMA a step further in Brazil!

 

The countdown for Heat FC 2 has already started and this November 27th, the second edition of the biggest MMA show in Latin America is coming up in even bigger fashion than in its predecessor. 

 

After the success of Heat FC 1: Genesis (bringing a never- before-seen production for an MMA show to Brazil - from the fighter entrances to the use of big screens and lights and filled with a card full of well known veterans from shows such as the UFC and PRIDE), it was decided to take a step even further with the second venture of Heat, keeping the promise of giving one of the most traditional countries in Mixed Martial Arts, Brazil, a spectacle the size they deserve. 

 

With that in mind, a lot of work has been quietly put in during the last months, and the result will likely shock the MMA community ( mostly in / for Latin America standards) with the biggest MMA show ever in the country, ending the 2003 year in great fashion and promising bigger things in the year of 2004.

 

The gorgeous city of Natal, with some of the most incredible beaches and landscapes in the world, will once again set the stage for Heat FC. The difference this time, in a audacious move, is that the show will take place in an open air football stadium (instead of the Machadinho arena - home of Heat FC 1)! 

 

The second edition of Heat is proving its tendency to get bigger (and moving to a bigger arena), making this the first MMA show ever in Brazil to take place in an open air stadium, bringing a new look to the sport in the country. 

 

The production will also be improved to fit the new size of the spectacle, and some surprises in that sense are bound to be announced soon.

 

Heat FC 2: Evolution is also going to be broadcast on pay-per-view to the whole country of Brazil trough PREMIERE COMBATE, the country's biggest fighting pay-per-view channel, giving a larger audience a chance to watch and get to know what Heat is all about. 

 

In the media sense, the show will continue with the support of SBT's arm in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (SBT is Brazil's second biggest open TV network), giving the event a lot of local exposure and helping spread the word about the sport. 

 

The Heat FC website is also about to debut at www.heatfc.com.br, and in the future, updates about the event will be available.

 

But getting to what the fans care about the most, the fight card, a number of changes and surprises took place in the last few days. Heat FC 2 continues to have a strong looking card, full of famous names and heated battles, as the name of the show requires. 

 

IFC Champion Renato Babalu Sobral was forced to withdraw from the card due to hand injury (after he had already signed with Heat), although some sources have said the contrary. 

 

Brazilian Northeastern star Silma Rodrigo was also forced to withdraw due to a serious illness diagnosed by his doctor, and as of now, nobody knows when he will return to action. 

 

At the same time, Canadian fighter Chris Fontaine suffered a major cut in his head during training, taking several stitches and being sidelined for a while as well. 

 

However, PRIDE and UFC veteran Ebenezer Fontes Braga was added to the card, looking for redemption since his Heat 1 loss at the hands of Forrest Griffin. Braga's opponent will be announced soon. 

 

Another PRIDE veteran added to the Heat mix is Japanese fighter Akira Shoji, who will be facing Gracie Barra black belt Marcelo Uirapuru Azevedo, also a veteran of the show, giving Shoji a chance to overcome his defeat to Mauricio Shogun in PRIDE BUSHIDO. 

 

Since the tone of the show is definitely of international flavor, Russian fighter Roman Roytberg, a veteran from the WEF, is also on board facing a Jiu-Jitsu fighter in his first outing in Brazil.

 

With the way the card is shaping up, some very interesting and intriguing match-ups occurred - both of local and international flavor, creating some grueling questions to be answered on November 27th. 

 

Both Jiu-Jitsu fighters, Fabio Bolinho and Sergio Junior come from the two biggest rival academies in Natal. Kimura and Combate Real have a historic feud in the city, with numerous street fights in the past and heated battles in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. However, they've never battled in MMA before, so this is bound to get the attention of the local public (and not to mention it's all about heart). 

 

Two Jiu-Jitsu practitioners will also be making their awaited MMA debuts (at different times in their careers). Young fighter Alexandre "Vaca" is a local sensation with the gi on, even becoming BJJ world champion at brown belt recently. He is considered one of the most talented fighters ever in Natal. However, he's never tried MMA and his striking is questionable, leading him to a tough battle against experienced striker Roman Roytberg, who is looking to get back into the MMA spotlight. 

 

On the other hand, Vinicius Draculino is one of the most famous Gracie Barra masters in Brazil, teaching many champions in Jiu-Jitsu and with a notable reputation as a teacher. However, Draculino has now decided to test his skills in the MMA ring after years and years without. And Heat is going to be the stage for it.

 

Oddly enough, his opponent is one of the oldest Jiu-Jitsu black belts in the city of Natal, Kleber Galdino, coming from a strong tradition in the region, and having fought some legendary MMA fights back in the old days where almost everything was legal. Galdino has been absent from the game for a real long time, adding drama to this bout. 

 

Furthermore, talented youngster Forrest Griffin returns to Brazil after a good display in the IFC tournament.  He defeated Chael Sonnen before losing to Jeremy Horn in an exciting fight. Griffin is looking to get back on the winning track. With several problems in finding an opponent for him, strong and tough Edson Paredao stepped up to the plate and took the fight.  And even with Paredao weighing more than a 100 kg, Griffin took the fight anyway in what promises to be a battle of technique versus power. 

 

A lot of power will also be seen in the main event between Carlos Barreto and Travis Wiuff. Barreto is coming from an impressive knockout win at Heat 1, where he showed his new Muay Thai skills. And against Travis, he will have to show his Jiu-Jitsu is still sharp as the powerful American fighter is looking for a shot at the UFC again and knows that a win over Barreto will only help him. 

 

Needless to say, Gustavo Ximu against Allan Goes is a classic that could take place in any event, matching up two of the biggest teams in Brazil, in Ruas Vale Tudo and Brazilian Top Team, and the old Jiu-Jitsu versus Luta Livre rivalry, no one can miss this!

 

Here's what the card for HEAT FC 2: Evolution looks like: